Indianapolis Canal Walk White River State Park
The Canal Walk located just west of downtown Indianapolis in the White River State Park is a feature Indianapolis attraction for all ages, and serves as a true connection between the serenity of the park and the bustle of the downtown area. One of the many features of the White River State park and the Canal District of the city, the Canal Walk serves as a recreational and entertainment experience for the people of the downtown Indianapolis area.
Doing Indy video about White River State Park and the Canal in Indianapolis, Indiana
The canal has a three mile walkway alongside the remnants of the original Central Canal running from the White River Park, north to 11th Street. The original Central Canal was intended to be part of a large-scale commerce project envisioned to improve transportation and shipping methods throughout Indiana through a series of canals. Due to a lack of proper funding for the project, the Indianapolis portion of the canal was never connected with any additional canals in Indiana and was eventually acquired by the Indianapolis Water Company. The Water Company would use the canal for various power production activities until it was deeded to the city of Indianapolis in 1976.
1985 would bring a revitalization of the canal, with draining and rebuilding projects improving the usability of the defunct canal. The canal was lowered and rebuilt with concrete to support the bottom and banks of the canal. Once filled, the canal was declared ready for public use and renamed the “Indianapolis Canal Walk.”
The canal is now a vibrant area of the downtown scene and is a prime spot for jogging, walking, rollerblading, bicycling, and overall relaxation and enjoyment of the waterway. A variety of interesting architecture awaits canal visitors along the waterside promenade in the form of murals, fountains, waterfalls, and bridges. Several benches and a covered picnic area are also available for those who would like to sit back and enjoy the beautiful and serene environment that the Canal Walk provides.
In addition to activities alongside the waterway, visitors can choose from a wide selection of watercraft available for rent. Double and single peddle boats, kayaks, and barracuda water vehicles are available to rent for waterway recreation. Bicycles and surreys are also for rent, to allow visitors to explore the park at their own pace.
If a guided tour is more your speed, guided Segway tours are available for those who seek a more in depth exploration of the canal area. Gondola rides are also available for those seeking an old world waterway experience.
Also, for those seeking additional entertainment in the canal area, there are several of the best Indianapolis restaurants available for hungry canal visitors. The Indiana State Museum and Indiana History Center both have cafes open to the public. A food court is also available in the Indiana government building off Ohio Street. Also, the canal provides lunchtime entertainment during the summer months with a series of lunchtime concerts on the canal sponsored by the Indianapolis Parks Department. Story telling sessions are also an entertainment option in the summer, as the Indiana History Center presents these sessions on summer evenings.
View of Canal Walk
